Fact Sheet: PLANT DIARY: Tasmannia lanceolata

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Presenter: Gardening Australia, 05/04/2002

Tasmannia lanceolata

Native Pepper

Birds love the berries from Tasmannia lanceolata that grows naturally in the southern states of Australia so itís a great plant to grow in the garden. Its bright red stems and leaf stalks and lush green leaves make it an eye catching specimen.

The native pepper has found its way into kitchens around Australia as its leaves and berries are both hot, and aromatic. They are used to flavour curries, cheeses, wines and salad dressings or ground as a substitute for black pepper.

Plants are either male or female and both produce small yellow or creamy white flowers in spring. You don't need to plant both to get the delicious berries as they are produced on the female plant regardless of pollination. You'll know when the berries are ripe because they change from red to black.

Plants can grow to 3m tall depending on how high in altitude they are grown with mountain specimens growing to only 50cm or so. Propagation is generally from cuttings as this allows you to determine the sex of the new plant, but they can also be grown from seed. The Native Pepper is a well-established garden plant that is hardy in a cool to cold, moist well-drained position in sun or shade.

Information contained in this fact sheet is a summary of material included in the program. If further information is required, please contact your local nursery or garden centre.

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